The WNBA has been growing rapidly in recent years. While yes, a lot of this is due to Caitlin Clark entering the league in 2024, the WNBA is finally getting the coverage and respect it deserves. This, however, means that the other players in the league are also getting more popular and might not like the way they're approached for autographs.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum made headlines recently when she called out fans for camping out outside the hotel where the Sparks were staying while on the road for an away game.
"Don't y'all find that kind of weird?" Plum asked the fans. "Low key, like, low key? Come on? I'm really turned off right now, I'm not going to lie."
The fan told her he was a fan and even said she could put his name on the autograph (so that he couldn't sell it online). Plum signed one thing for him, but seemed very uncomfortable with the whole situation.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum isn't fond of the way WNBA fans are seeking autographs
On the one hand, it's understandable why Plum might be creeped out by this. It'd be pretty unsettling knowing that fans are aware of where you and your team are staying and what some people might be capable of trying in those situations.
It also makes sense that she's weirded out by it, considering the WNBA didn't used to be a big-name league, so she was probably able to fade in the background a little more.
On the other hand, the WNBA is growing and this is a sign of that. Maybe fans started watching because of Caitlin Clark and if they did, now they're seeing stars like Plum and becoming a fan of hers as well. This very well could be something Plum will have to get used to.
Hopefully, fans can be respectful in the way they request autographs from their favorite players. Hanging out at a hotel might not be the way to go, and hopefully, this isn't the new standard.